If you’re a fish vet and have not heard of, or joined up with, the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, you’re missing out BIG time! I might of course be a bit biased as I’m the president-elect for the group, but let me tell you a little more about this WAVMA.
The mission of the WAVMA is to serve the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine through enhancing aquatic animal health and welfare, public health and seafood safety, to support aquatic veterinarians, aquatic animal owners and industries, and other stakeholders. Our global organisation consists of more than 300 members from over 37 countries.
For many, a career in aquatic veterinary medicine was but a dream. Few opportunities existed for them to expand in their chosen discipline as an aquatic veterinarian. With such challenges, our passionate predecessors (past and present), have forged amazing pathways for the up and coming aquatic veterinarians.
Now, the number of potential clients and industries needing aquatic veterinarians are increasing rapidly. Commercial aquaculture has become a dominant industry for producing seafood. Public aquaria are demanding veterinarians to oversee their animal health programs. Government legislation and regulations, and international standards and requirements aimed at preventing, controlling and eradicating disease in all aquatic species are seeking veterinary input.
The WAVMA is a beacon of innovation and it is made up of professional veterinarians, ranging from students through to internationally renowned experts in the world. Their work our members do is multifaceted and it canvasses an incredibly diverse range of areas. They include:
- Private practice (aquaculture & ornamental)
- Academics (research, teaching, extension)
- Commercial companies (drug development, commercial aquaculture)
- Government regulatory agencies
- Public aquaria,
covering a diverse range of species including marine mammals, ornamental fish, food fish, mollusc, crustacean and amphibia.
With a high level of member engagement, the WAVMA is an authoritative source of information and as such, it acts as an ambassador for all veterinarians involved with aquatic animal health. WAVMA is in the optimal position to advance the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine, and supports the practice of aquatic veterinary medicine in all countries.
There are many tangible and intangible benefits and rewards for being a part of WAVMA. Gain the communities’ confidence and be sure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity. It’s the one place that you can ‘hook-up’ with leading aquatic experts from around the world. Get answers to questions, difficult cases and more!
Delay no more. Join NOWat http://www.wavma.org/
